Absolute prohibition is not practical in buffer zone, regulation was not intended to affect people: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court observed that absolute control in the buffer zone is not practical. The Supreme Court clarified this while hearing the plea filed by states including Kerala seeking relief on the buffer zone issue. The court will hear Kerala's argument on the petition tomorrow.

Today, the Supreme Court heard the arguments of the amicus curiae and the central government. What should be banned should be banned. What needs to be controlled must be controlled. The amicus curiae stated that the imposition of an absolute prohibition has created a crisis. The Center has demanded that the area where the final and draft notifications have been issued should be exempted from the ban. It was then observed by the court that absolute prohibition was not practical. The court verbally said that the restriction was not intended to affect the daily life of the people. The hearing in the case will continue tomorrow. The final decision will be taken after hearing the arguments of the other parties as well.

Kerala filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking exemption for 23 protected areas. Kerala has forwarded the recommendation regarding the buffer zone of 17 wildlife sanctuaries and six protected parks to the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment.